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75-foot growing sinkhole closes road in Lakeland

Scott Lake Road closed at Fitzgerald Road, sheriff’s office says

The appearance of a possible sinkhole in Lakeland Highlands has forced a nearby road to close, Polk County fire officials said. (Polk County Fire Rescue)

POLK COUNTY, Fla. – The appearance of a sinkhole in Lakeland Highlands has forced a nearby road to close, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

The sheriff’s office said in a Facebook post that Scott Lake Road was closed at Fitzgerald Road as authorities worked to inspect and repair the hole.

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According to deputies, the hole opened up on Thursday on nearby private property, spanning around 75 feet in diameter and slowly growing.

In a release, the sheriff’s office announced that a “private enterprise” hired by the property’s owner had drilled across the drive, hitting a pressurized spot and sparking the collapse.

Picture of the sinkhole in Lakeland (Polk County Sheriff's Office)

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While there is no property or structural damage at this time, three nearby homes could be affected, deputies explained.

The sheriff’s office added that a portion of Scott Lake Road between Old Scott Lake Road and Fitzgerald Road would be closed until further notice as crews work on the sinkhole.

Polk County Fire Rescue held a news briefing at 3:30 p.m. at Scott Lake Baptist Church to discuss the sinkhole.

No other information has been provided.


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